Meet Michele Bruhn | Executive Director of the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Bruhn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, what are you inspired by?
I am continually inspired by our ridership and participants. We serve children and adults with disabilities, often in situations where they face a multitude of medical challenges, including mobility issues, vision impairments, hearing difficulties, and severe progressive diagnoses. The individuals at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center show up each week, working diligently on their personal goals to support their journeys. Sometimes, the goal is simply maintenance, allowing them to continue living life to the fullest despite the challenges they face.

The cheerfulness, smiles, and dedication our riders demonstrate every day, even while battling debilitating conditions like MS, or ALS , Muscular Dystrophy, etc, are both humbling and inspiring. On days when I feel overwhelmed or encounter difficulties, I remind myself of those who confront challenges that threaten their ability to get up each morning and rely on others for assistance, whether that be in transportation or care.

People with disabilities are incredibly inspiring; they exemplify resilience, determination, and the strength of the human spirit in ways that challenge stereotypes and redefine what is possible. Their stories reflect courage, growth, and transformation.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is a place where the healing power of horses meets the strength of the human spirit. For 45 years, we’ve provided equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities, offering life-changing opportunities for connection, growth, and joy. Our riders experience increased strength, balance, confidence, and independence—all through the transformative bond between horse and human.

What sets us apart is our deep sense of community and our unwavering commitment to inclusion. We don’t just offer therapeutic riding—we offer belonging. Our volunteers, staff, participants, families, and horses are all integral to our mission, and it’s that interconnectedness that makes CTRC so special. It’s not just about riding—it’s about empowering people of all abilities to thrive.

I stepped into the Executive Director role after two years of working as an instructor and head instructor. I never imagined myself in this position, but the people around me—our staff, our volunteers, and our former leaders—saw something in me and encouraged me to lead. The journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many nonprofits, we’ve faced rising costs, a changing funding landscape, and the challenge of doing more with less. But we’ve overcome those hurdles by staying grounded in our mission, listening to our community, and leaning into creativity and collaboration.

What I’m most proud of is our team’s resilience and the way we continue to adapt while keeping our riders and horses at the center of everything we do. From rebuilding our instructor team, to growing our services, to deepening our commitment to equity and access, this is a place of transformation, not just for our riders but for everyone involved.

What I want the world to know is that CTRC is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement of compassion, strength, and partnership. It’s proof that when people and horses come together with purpose, healing happens. And that kind of magic is worth fighting for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Denver for a week, I’d be so excited to show them everything I love about this area—starting with the perfect blend of city energy and easy access to nature.

Day 1: Classic Denver Kickoff
We’d start with brunch downtown and take a stroll through the 16th Street Mall—great for people-watching, little shops, and soaking up the vibe of the city. Then we’d head over to the Denver Art Museum or the Denver Central Library, which is one of my favorite spots to explore. We’d wrap the day with dinner near the Capitol, maybe at one of the cozy neighborhood restaurants in Capitol Hill.

Day 2: Golden Adventure
I’d take them out to Golden, a charming town with an old-school Colorado feel. We’d walk along Clear Creek, explore the shops. Then grab lunch and head back for sunset at Red Rocks, even if there’s no concert—it’s magical any time of day.

Day 3: Wildlife and Wonder
A trip to the Wild Animal Sanctuary is a must—it’s such a unique, heart-expanding experience to walk the elevated walkways and see rescued lions, tigers, and bears (literally) in huge open habitats. On the way back, we’d find some hidden gem spot to eat in one of the small towns along the way.

Day 4: City Culture & Broncos Spirit
We’d spend the day exploring Denver’s neighborhoods—maybe RiNo for murals or LoDo for some local shopping. If we can, we’d catch a game or tour at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos, because the energy there is always exciting—whether you’re a football fan or not.

Day 5: Mountain Escape
We’d take a day trip into the mountains—maybe to Nederland, Estes Park, or just a scenic drive up to Lookout Mountain. The proximity to the mountains is one of my favorite things about living here.

Day 6: Eat & Explore
We’d hit up a few of Denver’s incredible restaurants—whether it’s tacos on Santa Fe, something trendy in LoHi, or a tucked-away favorite with a view. Then maybe a visit to a local coffee shop for a more low-key evening.

Day 7: One Last Stroll
Before they leave, we’d grab coffee and walk around the Capitol area one last time—so they could take in that gold dome and the view of the mountains in the distance. Denver is a city that has so many layers—creative, welcoming, always growing—and I’d want them to feel all of that before they go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the entire CTRC community—the riders, the volunteers, the horses, the staff, the board, and the leaders who came before me. Each of you has shaped my path in some way, from the people who believed in me early on, to the horses who teach with quiet wisdom, to the volunteers and staff who make the impossible happen every day. I’m proud to serve a mission that’s carried by so much heart, strength, and shared purpose.

Website: https://ctrcinc.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloradotherapeuticriding/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/95022204/admin/dashboard/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hippotherapy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CTRCINC/videos

Image Credits
We own the rights to this photo.